Exploring the IPP prisoner scandal

Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences were implemented in England and Wales in 2005 to detain offenders who posed a very serious risk to the public, but many non-violent offenders have also been given this sentence. Despite the abolition of the IPP sentence in 2012, there are still nearly 3,000 people in prison on IPP sentences today without a release date. We explore the psychological impact of these sentences on prisoners and their families, the ability to recall IPP prisoners back to prison without them committing another crime, and the on-going parliamentary discussions on how to address the situation. Tune in to gain insight into this controversial aspect of the British justice system. In this episode, Kaigan is joined by Sam Asumadu, a journalist and former documentary film-maker.

Timestamps

[02:14] What is an IPP sentence and why is it used?

[04:58] Why were people who were convicted of minor offences given this sentence?

[07:15] Why IPP prisoners are being sent back to prison without being convicted of a further crime

[13:44] The psychological impacts of IPP sentences and how this impacts parole

[25:16] How someone convicted of murder can be released from prison earlier than someone who stole a mobile phone

[27:07] Government’s plan to deal with IPP prisoners

[32:02] What happens to IPP prisoners whose mental health has suffered to the point they aren’t safe in the community?

You can listen to Sam's podcast on IPP sentences here

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The views and opinions of the guests on the Evolving Prisons podcast are not the views or opinions of the host.